Freedom of Expression is coming under attack from the very organisation

UN HUman Rights Bodies

Freedom of Expression is coming under attack from the very organisation that was set up to protect our rights.

In March 2008 the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) amended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of expression - diluting his work.

The amendment came following proposals from the Organisation of Islamic Congress (OIC) and the Cuban delegations. The UNHRC also approved a resolution on Combating Defamation of Religions which further erodes freedom of expression.

The HRC process has been repeatedly misused. Instead of protecting and strengthening human rights, including freedom of expression, states have too often used the HRC to shield autocracies and abusive regimes from criticisms, and to score political points.

The amendment to the mandate of the Special rapporteur and the resolutions on defamation of religion constitute a clear attempt by some states to create a new normative benchmark which seeks to protect the religion and the belief at the expense of the believers.

ARTICLE 19 and its partners are actively campaigning against this trend and attack.